Villa (a) ST purchases CLOSED
Liverpool (h) ST forwarding / resale now
Leeds (a) ST applications open Mon 04.08, 2pm
Wolves (h) Member ballot opens Mon 11.08, Noon
Bmouth (a) ST applications open Mon 25.08, 2pm
Arsenal (h) Member ballot opens Mon 18.08, Noon

Update:
Howe comments

Quotes from Saturday's media call:

On Alexander Isak:

"I know where he is (Spain), really, through the media. From that perspective, it’s difficult for me to go into any kind of detail. The situation is far from ideal and is quite complex.’

"I am very much removed from anything that's happening back home. I was made aware that there was a bid yesterday - that bid was turned down all before I even heard about it. There's people back in England dealing with the situation. 

"I really don't know what's going to happen next, but from our perspective we still support Alex in every way, and my wish is still that we see him in a Newcastle shirt again.

"It’s difficult, because you don’t know what is going to happen from this point. We can only deal with the reality. The reality is we had a first bid from Liverpool and I believe that was turned down. From this point onwards, let’s see what happens.

"In terms of trying to upset players and all that kind of stuff, from my perspective, we can only talk about our conduct. We try to do things in the right way. 

"Signing players is always complex. We just try to do what we think is right. I can’t talk about other clubs, that’s not for me to say.”

On the transfer market:

"We're looking for the best players that we can get. Whatever our target position is, we're looking for the best so I see all situations open and available to us. 

"I feel that's the only way that we're going to get to where we want to go, which is to maximise, and it's quality over quantity. It always has been. That's always been the way that we try to work and the way that we try to recruit, and I think we've done it pretty well to this point.

"It's been a challenging summer, because we've missed out on various targets for loads of different reasons, but we're still very competitive, and we're still in there trying to bring very good players to the club - and that won't change til the window shuts."

Update:
Reds offer rejected

Friday brought news that an official bid from Liverpool for Magpies striker Alexander Isak has been turned down. 

The initial bid was rumoured to be in the region of £110m, claimed by some outlets to be £120m including add-ons.

That was followed by widespread claims that no further bid would be forthcoming from Anfield - doubtless based on club and agent-led briefings.

Other sources meanwhile made public apparent attempts by the Magpies to extend the player's contract and insert a sell-on clause that would become valid next summer.

Barring an unforeseen change of heart, it's difficult to see Isak wearing black and white again - which of course was precisely the point of this choreographed exercise.

While this all plays out, Newcastle's opening game of the season draws ever closer - and the holes in Eddie Howe's squad remain obvious to all.   

Update:
Sesko claims

Update: The Athletic reported on Saturday that Newcastle had made a bid totaling £69.5m for Sesko.

Unconfirmed reports in his native Slovenia late on Friday suggested that RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko had indicated his preference to join Newcastle United.

The 22 year-old had been linked with both the Magpies and Manchester United in recent day, with media outlets suggesting that an Old Trafford switch was more likely.

Responses to Friday's claim on Saturday included claims, counter-claims and outright denials. Place your bets.... 

Update:
Basque separatist

Reports in the Spanish media on Wednesday night claimed that Alexander Isak was in the Spanish city of San Sebastian, working with a personal trainer at the Zubieta training ground of his former club, Real Sociedad.

Were the Swedish striker to change clubs, then Sociedad would be in line for a cash windfall via a sell-on clause.

Meanwhile in West London on Thursday, Yoan Wissa arrived for training at Brentford but reportedly refused to join in with the rest of the first team squad and departed.

(we can't claim credit for headline - a reader suggestion)

Giveaway:
Pitch prediction

We're partnering up with Pitch Publishing, a sports book publisher with an already extensive range of NUFC related titles and several more due for release later in 2025.

We're kicking things off with a competition to win copies of "The Wilderness Years", Gary Sherrard's vivid account of the black and whites between 1978 and 1984.

For anyone of that era it's semi-autobiographical and for those missing out on the glory days of Bobby Shinton, it explains why calling out Premier League era Magpies as "the worst ever" prompts wry grins from stalwarts....  

To be in with a chance of winning one, simply predict the full time score at 90 minutes in Newcastle's kickabout against Spurs in Seoul this coming Sunday.

Email [email protected] with your answer by 10am BST on Sunday August 3rd, subject line of Pitch. 

No age limit, open to all but delivery only to a UK address. One entry each please. In the event of a tie, one winner will be randomly drawn from all correct entries received.

Check out the Pitch catalogue here and find offers on current and future NUFC titles on Amazon here

2025/26:
Spurs (n)

Eddie Howe's side conclude their three game tour of Asia on Sunday, facing fellow Premier League side Spurs at the Seoul World Cup Stadium in South Korea.

It's a Noon start (8pm local time) at the 65,000 capacity venue and will be shown live at WonderBar in the Gate.

It's expected that United will debut their green change kit.

Team: Joe Willock is confirmed to have received a calf injury in the latter stages of Wednesday's loss to the K League XI and is expected to be out for 4-6 weeks.

Sven Botman could feature after missing that game while Sandro Tonali reported some discomfort from his left leg on Wednesday but is apparently unscathed.

Lewis Hall is yet to play on the tour as he returns from injury, it's unclear whether he'll face Spurs.

Reports that Martin Dubravka was set to join the squad in South Korea proved to be incorrect.

THFC: South Korean duo Son Heung-min and prospect Yang Min-hyuk are both in manager Thomas Frank's squad - Son confirming that this is likely to be his final game as a Spurs player, amid strong claims of a move to Saudi Arabia.

Ahead of Sunday, Spurs played a fake North London derby against Arsenal in Hong Kong on Thursday, winning 1-0 thanks to Pape Sarr's outrageous strike from distance.

Referee: tbc

Overseas TV:  
Abu Dhabi Sports 2 HD
Arena Premium 1 (Kosovo/Montenegro/Serbia)
Arena Sport 1 HD (Bosnia/Slovakia)
Astro Premier League (Malaysia) HD
BG Sports (Thailand)
CBS Sports Network (USA)
Claro TV+ (Brazil)
Coupang Play (South Korea)
DAZN/1 Belgium
Digiturk Play (Turkey)
Disney+ Premium Arg/Carib/Chile/Norte/Sur
DStv Now
ESPN Mexico/Norte
ESPN2 Caribbean
FanCode (India/Nepal/Pakistan)
fuboTV (USA)
GOtv (Kenya)
KTV Sport (Iraq/Syria)
Kuwait Sport 2 HD
L´Équipe Live Foot (France)
Moja TV (Bosnia)
Paramount+ Australia
Persiana Sports (Iran)
Play Sports (Belgium)
Shahid (Morocco/Saudi Arabia)
Sharjah Sports HD
Sky+ (Brazil)
Sport 1 (Israel)
Sport TV1/Multiscreen Portugal HD
SuperSport Maximo 2A HD (South Africa)
SuperSport Premier League HD (South Africa)
tabii (Ireland/Malta/Slovakia/Slovenia/Spain)
TRT Spor HD (Turkey)
Viaplay Den/Fin/Ice/Ned/Nor/Swe
Vivo Play (Brazil)
V Sport Premium/+ (Finland)
Zapping (Brazil)

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TV: Pricing for the full NUFC package is as follows:

Mags+: £9.99
Mags/Junior Mags: £19.99
Non-members: £29.99
Match Pass: £4.99 or £6.99 per game (varies)

Purchase online here

Mags+ and Mags members were emailed a promo code to access the above prices. Mags+ members not purchasing the full package should have received promo codes allowing them to watch the two South Korea games for free.

Streams are worldwide except Spurs (excludes South Korea) and Espanyol / Atletico Madrid (both exclude Spain).

(The full package also includes live coverage of the NUFC Women versus Atletico Madrid Femenino home friendly).

Stats: 

The most recent friendly meeting between these two sides was staged after the 2023/24 season, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia. Following a 1-1 draw, United won a penalty shootout 5-4.

Newcastle then return to Tyneside for kickabouts against Spanish opposition on successive days:

Fri 08.08.2025 Espanyol (h) (Spain) (h) 7.30pm
Sat 09.08.2025 Atletico Madrid (Spain) (h) 4pm

2025/26:
Hayden away

Just over nine years after he arrived at Gallowgate from Arsenal for a claimed £4m fee, Isaac Hayden's association with Newcastle has finally ended.

The 30 year-old native of Chelmsford looks to have reached agreement to settle the remaining months of a six year contract extension announced in September 2020.

The first of 171 competitive appearances came in United's Championship season-opening loss at Fulham in August 2016, register the first of seven goals two games later. 

The pick of Hayden's four Premier League goals for the club in our eyes was the 94th minute header at the Gallowgate End to secure a 1-0 win over Chelsea in January 2020 - Matt Ritchie's celebration involving his hoofing the corner flag into the unmentionables of a celebrating Toon fan....

A regular member of the first squad until a serious knee injury at Brighton in March 2021 began a saga of fitness problems for Isaac and subsequent loan moves to Norwich City, Standard Liege, QPR and Portsmouth.

What proved to be his final senior competitive outing as a Magpie was a 0-4 home loss to Manchester City in late December 2021, bizarrely featuring as an over-age player for United U21s in the National League Cup last season.

An England international up to U21 level, 2024 brought a belated senior bow after opting to switch nationalities and represent Jamaica.

2025/26:
Sand dancers on Sunday

The U21s return to pre-season action on Sunday when they make the short trip over the Tyne to South Shields for a 3pm kick-off at the First Cloud Arena.

They won't come up against former Magpie Kyle Crossley however, after he sustained ligament damage during a friendly match against Carlisle United.

Admission prices are £5 in advance online here

The same game 12 months ago ended 1-1 in front of 1,424 fans. Then as now, the U21s were between coaches.

Road: Stadium postcode is NE32 3UP and there's street parking on Shaftesbury Avenue and nearby areas.

If your journey involves the Tyne Tunnel, be aware that the Northbound tunnel is closed all weekend, with traffic in that direction sharing the Southbound tunnel.

Metro: Nearest station is Bede on the Yellow Line to South Shields. There are no scheduled closures this weekend.

2025/26:
Change kit released

Buy 2025/26 season kits online here from JD Sports.

Friday saw Newcastle's green second kit go on sale, with two separate launch events in Seoul, which were both over-subscribed. It will presumably be worn on Sunday - although previous information from the club that it was set to debut against the K League Select proved incorrect.

The accompanying press release from adidas neglects to mention the similarity to the green in the Saudi Arabian flag, but does confirm the source of the shirt design:

"We took the famous Tyne Bridge arch as inspiration and created the bold pattern to represent the iconic structure across the new shirt.”

The Tyne Bridge of course is currently working at reduced capacity due to prolonged lack of investment and issues in retaining suitably qualified personnel. Very fitting then.

2025/26:
K-flops 

Team K League  1  Newcastle  0

Match report

Loan lads:
KVC take AC

Newcastle have confirmed that Antonio Cordero has made a season-long loan switch to Belgians KVC Westerlo.

Westerlo finished ninth last season in the 16 team Pro League, beginning their new top-flight season with a 2-5 loss at Anderlecht last Sunday. 

The 18 year-old Spanish youth international winger could make his bow in Saturday's home meeting with Zulte Waregem - United's 2006/07 UEFA Cup opponents.  

League One side Leyton Orient have sealed a season-long loan for Joe White after the midfielder was omitted from the Asia tour party despite facing Celtic in pre-season.

With the Magpies since 2018, 22 year-old Joe's senior bow came from the bench at home to Bournemouth in February - one of four Premier League outings as a substitute.

Previous loan spells at EFL sides Exeter City, Hartlepool United, Crewe Alexandra and MK Dons, brought him nine goals in 92 league and cup outings.

Joe is in line to play some part in Saturdays' season opener at Huddersfield Town.

2025/26:
Villa (a) update

Following the end of the 48 hour period (at 2pm on Friday) during which successful applicants where allowed to purchase Aston Villa tickets, NUFC issued this update: 

Following the initial ticketing phase, we have a number of successful applicants who did not complete their ticket purchases. 

As a result, we are now extending the opportunity to individuals who fall within the next points threshold between 27-29 points. We will contact those supporters individually.

2025/26:
Away ticket update

NUFC have imposed radical changes to the sales and distribution process for away tickets, announced here

Aside from "popular demand", NUFC's justification for the change the system was to: "Create a structured and transparent process, ensuring supporters know where they stand before committing to travel plans. Away tickets sold and allocated within approximately 7 working days."

The next two sales dates have been announced:

Leeds United (a)
Applications open: Mon 04.08.2025 @ 2pm
Applications close: Tue 05.08.2025 @ 2pm
Sales open: Wed 06.08.2025 @ 2pm
Sales close: Fri 08.08.2025 @ 2pm

Bournemouth (a)
Applications open: Mon 25.08.2025 @ 2pm
Applications close: Tue 26.08.2025 @ 2pm
Sales open: Wed 27.08.2025 @ 2pm
Sales close: Fri 29.08.2025 @ 2pm

One ST holder can log on and apply on behalf of seven STs listed in their friends and family - in other words, the maximum number of accounts in a transaction is eight.

NUFC say that all supporters who apply for tickets will receive an email whether they are successful or not.

Update:
Ramsdale reunion

Newcastle have reached agreement with Championship side Southampton on a season-long loan deal for goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and he's now on Tyneside.

The Stoke-born 27 year-old flew for his medical on Wednesday before putting pen to paper on a loan with a subsequent purchase option. A £4m loan fee is claimed.

The move follows United's failure to sign long-term target James Trafford, who completed a permanent return from Burnley to previous club Manchester City on Tuesday.

Ramsdale joined Bournemouth in 2017 during Eddie Howe's time in charge and was an unused substitute for the final Premier League game of their 2016/17 campaign.  

Following loans at Chesterfield and AFC Wimbledon, he was between the sticks as the Cherries began the 2019/20 season - playing all but one of the 38 games that led to their relegation from the top flight.

Following Howe out of Bournemouth but remaining in the Premier League at Sheffield United, he was an ever-present for the Blades but suffered a second successive demotion.

That was followed by claimed £24m sale to Arsenal, where Aaron was first-choice for the first two of his three seasons in N5 before losing his place to David Raya.

A permanent move to Southampton then followed at the conclusion of the summer 2024 transfer window, adding a third Premier League relegation to his CV last season.

Ramsdale is under contract at St.Mary's until 2028, but his contract is claimed to include a clause allowing him to exit during the current window for £25m - less than United's failed bid to sign Trafford earlier this month.

He featured for the Saints last Saturday in a 1-2 friendly defeat by Espanyol in Spain.

The last of Aaron's five senior England caps came in 2024.

2025/26:
Barrack Road update

From NUFC, Thursday:

Newcastle United is working closely with Newcastle City Council and Northumbria Police to trial new crowd safety measures this season, as part of an ongoing commitment to fan safety and enhancing the matchday experience at St. James' Park.

Starting on Friday, 8th August (Espanyol, kick-off 7:30pm BST) and Saturday, 9th August (Atlético Madrid, kick-off 4pm BST), Barrack Road will be temporarily closed to traffic post-match to create a safer environment for supporters leaving the stadium.

The short-term closure will cover Barrack Road between Stanhope Street and St. James' Boulevard, beginning at the final whistle or earlier if large numbers of fans leave prior to full-time.

The closure will be in place for up to 45 minutes after the final whistle, or until crowds disperse and Match Control officers from Northumbria Police deem it safe to reopen the road to traffic.

During the closure, no vehicles will be permitted on this section of Barrack Road and drivers will be required to follow signed diversions via Westgate Road, Brighton Grove and Stanhope Street.

Diversions & travel updates: Vehicles will be rerouted via Westgate Road, Brighton Grove, and Stanhope Street. 

Stagecoach buses normally stopping on Barrack Road will be diverted and passengers will be required to use alternative bus stops while the short closure is in place.

The X50 soccer bus which runs to the MetroCentre Park and Ride will pick up passengers from the top of St. James’ Boulevard, outside the Citygate building.

The measures will continue for all home games throughout the season and, if required, other events taking place at St. James' Park where large numbers of people are expected to leave at once. Measures are being introduced on a trial basis and will be monitored as the season progresses.

2025/26:
Teenage kick 
costs Magpies

Arsenal  3  Newcastle  2

Match report

Meltdown:
Isak timeline

Sun 04.05 Isak scored his 54th Premier League goal (62nd in all competitions) for Newcastle - a penalty in a 1-1 draw at Brighton.

Sun 18.05 Isak missed the 0-1 Premier League loss at Arsenal, Howe told the media that he'd had a scan on a groin problem and rest rather than surgery was forecast.

Sun 25.05 Isak played the entirety of a 0-1 Premier loss at home to Everton, Newcastle's season-ending fixture.

Tue 27.05 Isak withdrew from Sweden's squad for two games in June due to a minor injury, presumably groin.

Mon 14.07 Isak was part of the Newcastle party that flew to Austria for a week-long training camp.

Tue 15.07 The Athletic reported that Liverpool had made it know they were prepared to pay £120m for Isak.

Sat 19.07 Isak was absent as Newcastle faced Celtic; Eddie Howe told the media that he'd allowed him to leave the squad as he needed "more training time" but that he expected him to join the club's upcoming tour of Asia.

Mon 21.07 Isak trained away from the rest of the squad at Darsley Park but reportedly cut short the session.

(some source claim this may have been on 22.07)

Tue 22.07 Newcastle reportedly switched targets to Brentford's Yoane Wissa, to augment (or replace) Isak.

Wed 23.07 Liverpool completed the signing of Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike, a player Newcastle had attempted to sign to augment (or replace) Isak.

Thu 24.07 Isak wasn't on the plane to Singapore and multiple media outlets reported he'd "told Newcastle he wants to explore a move away from the club".

The Times wrote that Isak refused to accept improved terms and an extension to his current Newcastle contract, allegedly seeking £300k per week - an amount the club wouldn't be able to meet given their financial status.

Fri 25.07 The Guardian wrote that Isak had been offered a basic weekly wage of £600K by Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia.

Sat 26.07 Howe met the media in Singapore and had no update on Isak's thigh injury but called it minimal and was still confident that he would remain a Newcastle player. 

Sun 27.07 Newcastle lost 2-3 to Arsenal, Howe telling reporters there was "no chance" Isak would be in Korea. 

Mon 28.07 Newcastle arrived in Korea without Isak.

Tue 29.07 Howe told the media that no bid had been received for Isak and he remained a Magpie.

Wed 30.07 Spanish media claims Isak is training alone in San Sebastian.

Fri 01.08 Liverpool bid claimed to be £120m rejected.

U21s:
International Cup draw

The draw for season's U21 International Cup has taken place, with Newcastle U21s returning to the competition and placed in Group C.

Along with Brighton, Chelsea and Nottingham Forest, the Magpies are joined by Paris SG, Dinamo Zagreb, Real Sociedad and Benfica.

The arrangement of the 32 team competition means that none of the Premier League teams meet, but each of them host the four continental sides in England. 

Update:
Youngsters arrive 

Newcastle have officially confirmed the signing of two 16 year-olds from Glasgow Rangers, left back Oliver Goodbrand and right-sided attacker Alfie Hutchison.

Updates are awaited on United's claimed acquisition of Isaac Moran, following reports that the 16 year-old England youth international had rejected a contract offer from current club Liverpool. He's a central midfielder.

U18s:
Rovers for openers 

This season's U18 Premier League fixtures have been announced and can be read online here

Chris Moore's side will look to improve on last season's fifth-placed finish and begin with a home fixture against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday August 16th (12.30pm).

2025/26:
TV times

The Premier League have now confirmed their live TV picks for September, with one Newcastle game rescheduled:

Sat 13.09.2025 Wolves (h) 3pm no live UK TV
Sat 20.09.2025 Bournemouth (a) 3pm no live UK TV
Sun 28.09.2025 Arsenal (h) 4.30pm Sky

The Arsenal game falls between Newcastle's midweek Carabao Cup Third Round tie* and the second round of Champions League fixtures, spread across Tuesday September 30th and Wednesday October 1st.

With reference to the Bournemouth away game, just because it hasn't been selected for live TV, that doesn't confirm 100% that it will be a 3pm Saturday kick-off.

The first round of Champions League fixtures take place on the preceding Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: were Newcastle to be in action on the Thursday, that would result in the Bournemouth game moving to the Sunday. 

While the Spurs v Wolves game picked for Sky on Sunday 28th is liable to change if Spurs are playing a Champions League tie on the 30th, there's no similar advice regarding our game v Arsenal on the same day - reason unknown.

The situation mirrors for our game regardless of that: were ourselves or Arsenal to be playing in the Champions League on the 30th then we would not meet in the PL on the 28th.

So in real terms, only the Wolves game is now confirmed, with the other three liable to possible change in the days following the Champions League draw on August 28th.

* that is split over two successive midweeks, with teams involved in the Champions League assured of playing their Carabao Cup tie during second of the two weeks.

There are no scheduled rail works between London Kings Cross on the day of the Arsenal game. For once.

The Bournemouth game looks unaffected by rail engineering work on the Saturday. Were it to be played on the Sunday, trains would still run direct to and from London but with average journey times extended by 45 minutes and trains not calling at either Basingstoke or Winchester.

Update:
New faces

Following confirmation of the appointment of Sudarshan Gopaladesikan as Newcastle United Technical Director, the vacant roles of Chief Executive Officer and Sporting Director are anticipated to be filled in the near future.

Several names have appeared in connection with both posts, but David Hopkinson is poised to become CEO in succession to Darren Eales, with Ross Wilson tipped to replace the now-departed Paul Mitchell as SD.

The 54 year-old Canadian Hopkinson had been in charge of the US-based Madison Square Garden Sports Corporation and was Global Head of Partnerships for Real Madrid between 2018 and 2020. 

He also had an earlier involvement with sports teams in Toronto, which included MLS side Toronto FC.   

41 year-old Scotsman Wilson meanwhile remains in post at Nottingham Forest, having held a similar position at Rangers until tempted across the border in 2023. 

2025/26:
Home ticket dates

Wolves (h):

Ballot opens Mon 11.08.2025 Noon, closes Tue 12.08.2025 Noon. Winners notified Wed 13.08.2025 by 11am, seat selection opens Wed 13.08.2025 Noon, closes Fri 15.08.2025 Noon. ST ticket fwding/resale Friday 15.08.2025 4pm. Member Sale Mon 18.08.2025 10am.

Arsenal (h):

Ballot opens Mon 18.08.2025 Noon, closes Tue 19.08.2025 Noon. Winners notified Wed 20.08.2025 by 11am, seat selection opens Wed 20.08.2025 Noon, closes Fri 22.08.2025 Noon. ST ticket fwding/resale Friday 22.08.2025 4pm. Member Sale Mon 25.08.2025 10am.

Old boys:
Comings & goings 

SJP old boys with new clubs/jobs include:

Tom Allan Darlington
Kieran Aplin Whitley Bay
Alun Armstrong Gateshead M
Matty Bondswell South Shields (trial)
Jean-Alain Boumsong Auxerre C
Mark Boyd Carlisle City AM
Kyle Cameron Bromley
Nathan Carlyon Blyth Town
Andy Carroll Dagenham & Redbridge
Lewis Cass Harrogate Town
Stephen Clemence Blackpool C
Lucas De Bolle Portimonense
Nicky Deverdics Newton Aycliffe
Amadou Diallo Oliveirense
Josh Donaldson Hartlepool United
Josh Donaldson Dunston UTS (loan)
Stuart Findlay Hearts
Stan Flaherty Hampton & Richmond
Massadio Haidara Kocealispor
Mackenzie Heaney Spennymoor Town
Sean Longstaff Leeds United
Neil McDonald Preston North End AM
Oisin McEntee Hearts
Joe Oliver Hebburn Town
Greg Olley York City
Harry Powell Ashington
Rory Powell Ashington
John Robertson Ross County AM
Salomon Rondon Real Oviedo (loan)
Josh Scott Darlington
Kyle Scott Crawley Town
Mo Sedibeh UB Conquense
Jonjo Shelvey training with Hull City tbc
Nolberto Solano Pakistan C
Ki Sung-yeung Pohang Steelers
Freddie Woodman Liverpool
Mike Williamson Rangers C
Callum Williams FC Hartlepool
Josef Yarney Macclesfield Town